Groovy D – AfterworldGroove EP

Shall Not Fade’s Time Is Now series continues to showcase the cutting edge of breaks and bass oriented club music. This time they introduce Groovy D; this new solo project of one third of Sheffield-based trio Denham Audio curates a totally fresh take on garage which is soulful, unique and genre-defying.

Afterworld Groove EP features female vocalists and a collaboration with Time Is Now regular Interplanetary Criminal; vocal heavy tracks are a highlight of the record, taking the garage sound away from the confines of the club. ‘Outta Control’ is one of these tracks; Emma Cannon’s vocals walk the edge between soulful and mournful, contrasting the wild breakbeats and deep, dirty bass.

The title track uses housey intoned keys; this is daytime garage, made for summer parties. Taking influence from his Sheffield home, ‘Keep Movin’ On’ has a classic bassline sound palette, cheeky stabbing synths and hyperactive breaks.

‘Project Zeus’ opens the B-side: stutters of snare and punching bass are broken through with a classic, uncontrollable bassline; the tongue-in-cheek sample that forms the drop will undoubtedly bring a smile to British fans.

More minimalist B2 ‘Timeless’ is a chorus of bubbling ear candy until the rolling sub bass looms into a deep, headsy climax. Manchester’s Interplanetary Criminal joins to close the EP; with vocals from Anna Straker, ‘Higher’ takes a genre-spanning approach in hazey garage percs and soaring pads. The tempo is down, and misty, romantic sax forms the backbone.